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Illinois 2025

General Information

Statewide AT Program (Information to be listed in national State AT Program Directory)

State AT Program Title:
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
State AT Program Title:
State AT Program URL
www.iltech.org
Mailing Address:
701 N. Walnut Street
City:
Springfield
State:
Illinois
Zip Code:
62702
Program Email:
wgunther@iltech.org
Phone:
217-522-7985
TTY:
800-852-5110

Lead Agency

Agency Name:
Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services
Mailing Address:
100 S. Grand Avenue, East
City:
Springfield
State:
Illinois
Zip Code:
62704
Program URL:
http://www.dhs.state.il.us

Implementing Entity

Name of Implementing Agency:
Illinois Assistive Technology Program
Mailing Address:
701 N. Walnut Street
City
Springfield
State:
Illinois
Zip Code:
62702
Program URL:
http://www.iltech.org

Program Director and Other Contacts

Program Director for State AT Program (last, first):
Gunther, Wilhelmina
Title:
President/CEO
Phone:
217-522-7985
E-mail:
wgunther@iltech.org
Program Director at Lead Agency (last, first):
McCoy, Sarah
Title:
Project Officer
Phone:
217-524-4372
E-mail:
sarah.m.mccoy@illinois.gov
Primary Contact at Implementing Agency (last, first) - If applicable:
Gunther, Wilhelmina
Title:
President/CEO
Phone:
217-522-7985
E-mail:
wgunther@iltech.org

Person Responsible for completing this form if other than Program Director

Name (last, first):
Zinck, Jeannine
Title:
Director of Data Management
Phone:
217-522-7985
E-mail:
jzinck@iltech.org

Certifying Representative

Name (last, first):
Patrick, Rahnee
Title:
Director
Phone:
312-814-2934
E-mail:
Rahnee.Patrick@illinois.gov

State Financing

Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include any State Financing? Yes
Did your approved state plan for this reporting period include conducting a Financial Loan Program? No

B. State Financing Activities that provide consumers with resources and services that result in the acquisition of AT devices and services

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many other state financing activities that provide consumers with access to funds for the purchase of AT devices and services were included in your approved state plan? 4
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: OEL

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)861
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)120
C. Total Served981

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures981

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 617$611,057
Hearing 5$5,773
Speech communication3$73
Learning, cognition, and developmental 1$310
Mobility, seating and positioning9$1,345
Daily living 2$319
Environmental adaptations52$7,419
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 3423$1,170,805
Recreation, sports, and leisure1$210
Total4113$1,797,311

Activity 2
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Smart Home

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)79
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)21
C. Total Served100

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures100

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 0$0
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 846$56,377
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 0$0
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total846$56,377

Activity 3
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: ICC

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)1644
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)257
C. Total Served1901

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures1901

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

They did not respond to many and varied attempts to collect survey data.

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 220$156,604
Hearing 66$15,628
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning506$78,206
Daily living 974$34,156
Environmental adaptations499$45,663
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 6804$554,741
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total9069$884,998

Activity 4
How would you describe this state financing activity?Other: Tech Kitchen

2. Geographic Distribution, Number of Individuals Who Acquired AT Devices and Services and Number for whom Performance Measure Data are Collected

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)180
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)36
C. Total Served216

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures216

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber of Devices
Funded		Value of
AT Provided
Vision 0$0
Hearing 0$0
Speech communication0$0
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning0$0
Daily living 1714$34,352
Environmental adaptations0$0
Vehicle modification and transportation 0$0
Computers and related 7$1,494
Recreation, sports, and leisure0$0
Total1721$35,846



C. State Financing Activities that Allow Consumers to Obtain AT at Reduced Cost

1. Overview of Activities Performed

How many state financing activities that allow consumers to obtain AT at a reduced cost were included in your approved state plan? 1
Activity 1
How would you describe this state financing activity?AT Fabrication or AT Maker Program

2. Geographic Distribution and Number of Individuals Served

County of ResidenceIndividuals Served
A. Metro (RUCC 1-3)228
B. Non-Metro (RUCC 4-9)49
C. Total Served277

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure0
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures277

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance measure:

Looking up

3. Types and Dollar Amounts of AT Funded

Type of AT Device / ServiceNumber ProvidedTotal Estimated
Current Retail
Purchase Price		Total Price for
Which Devices
Were Sold		Savings
to Consumers
Vision 69$2,413$0$2,413
Hearing 0$0$0$0
Speech communication 13$517$0$517
Learning, cognition, and developmental 0$0$0$0
Mobility, seating and positioning 3$474$0$474
Daily living 310$11,170$0$11,170
Environmental adaptations 13$225$0$225
Vehicle modification and transportation 6$65$0$65
Computers and related 11$515$0$515
Recreation, sports, and leisure 44$3,631$0$3,631
Total 469$19,010$0$19,010


D. Anecdote

ICC Program Brings Safety and Independence to the Home, Tracy is an 88-year-old woman from Northern Illinois who was referred to the ICC Program by her local adult activity center. She has spots on her eyes that have diminished her vision and is getting treatments to slow the progression of her vision loss. Due to this, Tracy can’t read mail, manage her medications, or cook well. An IATP Occupational Therapist (O T) worked with Tracy to find vision magnifiers she could use in and outside her home to read her medicine, food labels, and more. Tracy also has a ringing in her ear, making it hard to hear. She tried a personal amplifier helping her to hear clearly. Due to mobility concerns, Tracy was able to trial a rollator walker because her cane was becoming difficult to use. She learned how to fold up the rollator and use it properly to increase safety. Tracy also mentioned having trouble putting her socks on so the OT showed her a sock aid, which she felt would benefit her. Tracy benefited from multiple devices provided through the program, assisting her to continue to live in her home and stay active in her community.

Tracy looking at a screen magnifier
Impact Area

Reigniting a Passion for Cooking, Howard has always loved cooking, but after losing his vision in 2015 due to end-stage glaucoma, he faced new challenges in the kitchen. Determined to continue preparing meals and share them with others, Howard was referred to the Tech Kitchen Program to explore ways technology could support his independence. From his very first session, Howard’s enthusiasm was clear. During his initial evaluation, he confidently navigated his kitchen and shared his goal of multitasking and keeping several dishes hot at the same time. Together, we prepared a meatloaf recipe while introducing adaptive tools such as a talking thermometer, tactile labeled measuring cups, a talking kitchen scale, heat-resistant gloves, and tactile markers on his oven and stove. Howard quickly grasped the purpose of each device and was thrilled by how much easier and safer they made his cooking experience. Over subsequent sessions, Howard’s skills and confidence continued to grow. He practiced more complex recipes and multitasking techniques, learning to use all the adaptive tools with increasing comfort. By the final session, he successfully prepared a multi-step quiche independently, demonstrating excellent safety awareness, precise use of measuring tools, and strong multitasking skills. Howard was thrilled with his progress and with the tools and techniques he learned. He shared that he now feels fully equipped to work in his kitchen, is excited to cook for friends, and enjoys the independence and confidence the Tech Kitchen Program has given him. Howard’s journey is a powerful example of how assistive technology can open doors, allowing someone to continue pursuing their passions with joy and safety.

Howard in his kitchen frying up vegetables with a long handled spatula
Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 47 982 1,126 2,155
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 22 11 500 533
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 00 37 38
4. Subtotal 70 993 1,663 2,726
5. None of the above 15 01 305 321
6. Subtotal 85 994 1,968 3,047
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 428 428
8. Total 85 994 2,396 3,475
9. Performance on this measure 82.35% 99.9% 69.41%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,808 80.81%
Satisfied 218 6.27%
Satisfied somewhat 11 0.32%
Not at all satisfied 02 0.06%
Nonrespondent 436 12.55%
Total Surveyed 3,475
Response rate % 87.45%

G. Notes:

Reutilization

A. Number of Recipients of Reused Devices

Activity Number of Individuals Receiving a Device from Activity
A. Device Exchange 00
B. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassign and/or Open Ended Loan 2,728
C. Total 2,728

Performance Measure
D. Excluded from Performance Measure because AT is provided to or on behalf of an entity that has an obligation to provide the AT such as schools under IDEA or VR agencies/clients. 00
E. Number of Individuals Included in Performance Measures 2,728

If a number is reported in D you must provide a description of the reason the individuals are excluded from the performance

B. Device Exchange Activities

Device Exchange
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Exchanged Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Exchanged Savings to Consumers
Vision 00 $0 $0 $0
Hearing 00 $0 $0 $0
Speech Communication 00 $0 $0 $0
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 00 $0 $0 $0
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 00 $0 $0 $0
Daily Living 00 $0 $0 $0
Environmental Adaptations 00 $0 $0 $0
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 00 $0 $0 $0
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 00 $0 $0 $0
Total 00 $0 $0 $0

C. Device Refurbish/Repair - Reassignment and/or Open Ended Loan Activities

Device Reassign/Repair/Refurbish and/or OEL
Type of AT Device Number of Devices Reassigned/Refurbished and Repaired Total Estimated Current Purchase Price Total Price for Which Device(s) Were Sold Savings to Consumers
Vision 253 $371,957 $0 $371,957
Hearing 33 $8,398 $0 $8,398
Speech Communication 21 $63,867 $0 $63,867
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 02 $50 $0 $50
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 1,975 $480,429 $0 $480,429
Daily Living 2,098 $172,754 $0 $172,754
Environmental Adaptations 136 $17,941 $0 $17,941
Vehicle Modification & Transportation 00 $0 $0 $0
Computers and Related 118 $51,441 $0 $51,441
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 40 $1,957 $0 $1,957
Total 4,676 $1,168,794 $0 $1,168,794

D. Anecdote

Friends Let Friends Know About Reuse Mike was living in another state but began experiencing mobility issues due to his diagnosis of neuropathy. He moved back to Illinois to be closer to friends and family. Mike’s friend knew he was having difficulties and suggested he check out the Reuse Program to see how they could assist him. Mike’s friend said, “Please know that you made his day, week and year with your help…I am grateful as well because you were able to help my friend. The plus side is that it was lots of fun.”

Mike sitting on the edge of his bed holding onto the bed assist handle and walker
Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 10 13 2,477 2,500
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 00 00 106 106
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 122 122
4. Subtotal 10 13 2,705 2,728
5. None of the above 00 00 00 00
6. Subtotal 10 13 2,705 2,728
7. Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
8. Total 10 13 2,705 2,728
9. Performance on this measure 100% 100% 100%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,714 99.49%
Satisfied 10 0.37%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.04%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 03 0.11%
Total Surveyed 2,728
Response rate % 99.89%

G. Notes:

Device Loan

A. Short-Term Device Loans by Type of Purpose

Loans By Purpose
Primary Purpose of Short-Term Device Loan Number
Assist in decision-making (device trial or evaluation) 1,829
Serve as loaner during service repair or while waiting for funding 55
Provide an accommodation on a short-term basis for a time-limited event/situation 124
Conduct training, self-education or other professional development activity 30
Total 2,038

B. Short-Term Device Loan by Type of Borrower

LOANS BY TYPE OF BORROWER
Type of Individual or Entity Number of Device Borrowers
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Individuals with Disabilities 377 65 442
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 256 65 321
Representative of Education 990 49 1,039
Representative of Employment 02 01 03
Representatives of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 15 11 26
Representatives of Community Living 181 18 199
Representatives of Technology 08 00 08
Total 1,829 209 2,038

C. Length of Short-Term Device Loans

Length of Short-Term Device Loan in Days 35

D. Types of Devices Loaned

Types of Devices Loaned
Type of AT Device Number of Devices
Desicion-making All other Purposes Total
Vision 195 29 224
Hearing 50 12 62
Speech Communication 1,521 182 1,703
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 315 37 352
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 102 05 107
Daily Living 261 35 296
Environmental Adaptations 00 00 00
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00 01 01
Computers and Related 126 29 155
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 30 05 35
Total 2,600 335 2,935

E. Anecdote

Assistive Technology for Classroom Success Gianna is in 1st grade. She has vision difficulties along with coordination and attention deficits that resulted from a brain injury. Because of this, she is having difficulty participating in classroom activities. She has an incredible school team, including her teacher, occupational therapist, and vision therapist, who have all trialed and implemented various assistive technologies including high contrast boards that provide assorted color backgrounds making items easier to see. She also uses a slant board with a clip-on light to bring worksheets or items being read closer to her face with better illumination. Despite the use of modified pencils along with specific therapy interventions, reading and handwriting continued to be challenging for her. She often loses her place when reading, and her handwriting remains slow and tiresome. A referral was made to IATP, and an A T S was able to go to Gianna’s school for the assessment. Distinct types of assistive technology were shown to Gianna and her team including video magnifiers, selecting computer settings and accessibility features that are optimal for her, specialized computer software, and alternative computer accessories. In the past, Gianna used a computer infrequently, but using a keyboard with large and colored keys significantly helped her to find the key(s) she was looking for. Gianna also used word prediction software for selecting vocabulary and text to speech software that reads back the letters and words to her as she typed. This helped her verify that she correctly typed the desired word. Gianna used an alternative mouse with a large rollerball and separate buttons for clicking. This helped her stabilize the mouse and be more accurate with clicking on the items she

Gianna in a classroom using the high contrast keyboard
Impact Area

F. Access Performance Measures

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 997 08 507 1,512
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 94 05 39 138
Subtotal 1,091 13 546 1,650
Have not made a decision 07 00 04 11
Subtotal 1,098 13 550 1,661
Nonrespondent 79 01 88 168
Total 1,177 14 638 1,829
Performance on this measure 99.36% 100% 99.27%

G. Acquisition Performance Measures

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 16 05 99 120
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 07 01 28 36
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 00 00 12 12
4. Subtotal 23 06 139 168
5. None of the above 01 01 18 20
6. Subtotal 24 07 157 188
7. Nonrespondent 03 04 14 21
8. Total 27 11 171 209
9. Performance on this measure 95.83% 73.17% 88.54%

H. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,018 99.02%
Satisfied 16 0.79%
Satisfied somewhat 01 0.05%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 03 0.15%
Total Surveyed 2,038
Response rate % 99.85%

I. Notes:

Device Demonstration

A. Number of Device Demonstrations by Device Type

Type of AT Device / Service Number of Demonstrations of AT Devices / Services
Vision 223
Hearing 35
Speech Communication 385
Learning, Cognition and Developmental 27
Mobility, Seating and Positioning 90
Daily Living 450
Environmental Adaptations 03
Vehicle Modification and Transportation 00
Computers and Related 30
Recreation, Sports and Leisure 10
Total # of Device Demonstrations 1,253

B. Types of Participants

Type of Participant Decision-Makers Other Participants Total
Individuals with Disabilities 763 415 1,178
Family Members, Guardians, and Authorized Representatives 121 390 511
Representatives of Education 345 260 605
Representatives of Employment 02 15 17
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 10 40 50
Representative of Community Living 12 10 22
Representative of Technology 00 08 08
Total 1,253 1,138 2,391

C. Number of Referrals

Referrals
Type of Entity Number of Referrals
Funding Source (non-AT program) 09
Service Provider 31
Vendor 353
Repair Service 00
Others 00
Total 393

D. Anecdote

Meeting Communication and Mobility Needs Andrea has cerebral palsy which affects her speech, fine motor skills and mobility. She came to the Demonstration Center accompanied by Paige, a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional to identify A T options that would help her with two separate needs: communicating and operating her power wheelchair. Since she is unable to walk, Andrea uses a power wheelchair controlled by a joystick. However, due to fine motor coordination problems, she was unable to effectively grasp the standard joystick that controls the wheelchair’s movement. In need of another option, she visited IATP. The Demonstration Center staff suggested that a round stress ball could provide a larger grip surface on her joystick. After discussing this with the team, Andrea’s stated she wanted something like the shape of the joystick. As a result, the existing joystick was reinforced with a cylindrical foam grip that Andrea was able to grasp. In addition to the modified joystick grip, Andrea wanted to try new devices to address her communication needs. The Demonstration Center staff was able to connect Andrea with a IATP Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). During their meeting, a tablet communication app was shown that would allow Andrea to select personalized communication phrases and sentences to communicate things she wants or needs to express. The tablet needed to be set in a location where Andrea could easily reach and access the message choices on the screen. The team had to consider Andrea’s potential access hurdles with reaching the tablet. A stylus would help Andrea with the tablet. After trying several different stylus types, then IATP's Makers designed and fabricated one for Andrea.

Andrea using her stylus on the ipad
Impact Area

E. Performance Measures

Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 441 43 740 1,224
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 06 00 01 07
Subtotal 447 43 741 1,231
Have not made a decision 04 03 15 22
Subtotal 451 46 756 1,253
Nonrespondent 00 00 00 00
Total 451 46 756 1,253
Performance on this measure 99.11% 93.48% 98.02%

F. Customer Satisfaction

Satisfaction
Customer Rating of Services Number of Customers Percent
Highly satisfied 2,291 95.82%
Satisfied 99 4.14%
Satisfied somewhat 00 0%
Not at all satisfied 00 0%
Nonrespondent 01 0.04%
Total 2,391
Response rate % 99.96%

G. Notes:

Overall Performance Measures

Overall Acquisition Performance Measure

Acquisition Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
1. Could only afford the AT through the AT program. 73 1,000 3,702 4,775
2. AT was only available through the AT program. 29 12 634 675
3. AT was available through other programs, but the system was too complex or the wait time too long. 01 00 171 172
4. Subtotal 103 1,012 4,507 5,622
5. None of the above 16 02 323 341
6. Subtotal 119 1,014 4,830 5,963
7. Nonrespondent 03 04 442 449
8. Total 122 1,018 5,272 6,412
9. Performance on this measure 85.71% 99.8% 82.46% 85.28%
ACL Performance Measure 85%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Access Performance Measure

Access Performance Measures
Response Primary Purpose for Which AT is Needed Total
Education Employment Community Living
Decided that AT device/service will meet needs 1,438 51 1,247 2,736
Decided that an AT device/ service will not meet needs 100 05 40 145
Subtotal 1,538 56 1,287 2,881
Have not made a decision 11 03 19 33
Subtotal 1,549 59 1,306 2,914
Nonrespondent 79 01 88 168
Total 1,628 60 1,394 3,082
Performance on this measure 99.29% 94.92% 98.55% 98.87%
ACL Performance Measure 90%
Met/Not Met Met

Overall Satisfaction Rating

Customer Rating of Services Percent ACL Target Met/Not Met
Highly satisfied and satisfied 99.85% 95% Met
Response Rate 95.83% 90% Met

Educational/Training Activities

A. Educational/Training Activity Participants: Number and Types of Participants; Geographical Distribution

Educational/Training Activities by Participant Type
Type of Participant Number
Individuals with Disabilities 291
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 46
Representatives of Education 410
Representatives of Employment 13
Rep Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 535
Representatives of Community Living 193
Representatives of Technology 00
Unable to Categorize 00
TOTAL 1,488

Geographic Distribution of Participants
Metro Non Metro Unknown TOTAL
1,339 149 00 1,488

B. Educational/Training Activity Topics

Educational/Training Activities by Topic
Primary Topic of Educational/Training Activities Participants
AT Products/Services 1,068
AT Funding/Policy/ Practice 80
Combination of any/all of the above 222
Information Technology/Telecommunication Access 09
Transition 109
Total 1,488

C. Description of Educational/Training Activities

Describe innovative one high-impact assistance educational/training activity conducted during the reporting period:

IATP trainers and OTs presented a webinar for Adult Protective Services(APS) and their community partners on how AT can be used to address and/or prevent loneliness/isolation, self neglect, passive neglect, and abuses such as financial exploitation. The training included an overview of IATP services with a focus on the ICC program, and many examples of AT divided into categories including vision, hearing, communication, aids to daily living, kitchen AT, mobility, electronic aids to daily living, recreation, and custom made AT. Case studies were used to highlight how AT from the various categories was used to address individual needs that increased independence and safety in the home. More than 160 staff across Illinois working in various APS roles were provided with information on AT devices and services they can immediately begin implementing to address or prevent substantially threatening situations for those they serve.

Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

IATP staff including SLP, ATP, ATS, OTs and Chef Instructor provided training to SWTCIE project staff, DRS counselors, DRS transition staff, DRS Bureau Chiefs, and representatives from 6 sheltered workshops on how IATP services can be utilized to provide comprehensive assistive technology demonstrations for DRS customers with IDD who are transitioning out of sheltered workshop employment into integrated competitive employment in the community. IATP addressed the SWTCIE Annual Meeting with an hourlong presentation including several case studies that highlighted how the ATS evaluation program can combine support from other IATP programs and staff including OT/COTA support, SLP lead AAC assessment, IATP Markers for the design and fabrication of custom AT devices, Tech Kitchen, and Smart Home; the training finished up with a 30 minute session where participants could visit various tables of AT devices and complete hands-on demonstrations.

Briefly describe one educational/training activity related to Information and Communication Technology accessibility:

The ICT team from IATP traveled to the Town of Normal City Council building where training with the town's Director of Communications, graphic designer, data specialists, programmers and marketing team focused on website accessibility testing methods including the four step process of using 1) automated testing, 2) manual visual testing, 3) keyboard testing, and 4) testing with AT (NVDA screen reader). The Town of Normal's website, along with a concept page their team had built, was used during the training to learn each step of the accessibility testing process. The training will result in new testing procedures for the webpage redesign they are planning, as well as follow-up training with their graphic designer on ways to create more accessible PDFs that will be linked to their webpage.

D. IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure

IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activity Performance Measure
Outcome/Result From IT/Telecommunications Educational/Training Activities Received Number
IT and Telecommunications Procurement or Dev Policies 00
Training or Technical Assistance will be developed or implemented 09
No known outcome at this time 00
Nonrespondent 00
Total 09
Performance Measure Percentage 100%
ACL Target Percentage 70%
Met/Not Met Met

E. Notes:

Technical Assistance

A. Frequency and Nature of Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance by Recipient Type
Education 06%
Employment 15%
Health, Allied Health, Rehabilitation 09%
Community Living 61%
Technology (IT, Telecom, AT) 09%
Total 100%

B. Description of Technical Assistance

Describe Innovative one high-impact assistance activity that is not related to transition:

IATP's training director provided the State of Illinois Bureau of Accessibility and Job Accommodations (BAJA), technical assistance with a reasonable accommodation issue. IATP’s staff visited a state employee at her worksite on multiple occasions to help troubleshoot AT issues and provide training with voice recognition software. As a result, IATP provided follow up training for the entire BAJA staff at IATP that consisted of a 2 hour tour of the Demo Center that focused heavily on vision, computer, hearing and other job related AT, and 3 additional hours of classroom style learning covering a variety of AT devices including voice recognition software with a case study that resembled the state employee involved in the reasonable accommodation assisted by an IATP training director. Positive results of the training included increasing the general knowledge of the BAJA team on a wide variety of AT solutions, and increasing their capacity to more quickly assess needs, make recommendatio

Breifly describe one technical assistance activity related to transition conducted during the reporting period:

IATP's ICC Team conducted 2 statewide Zoom trainings on the updated referral process to get older adults connected to appropriate assistive technology and durable medical equipment to prevent them from transitioning out of community living into institutional living, such as nursing homes. There were approximately 462 provider agencies in total across both trainings. As a result, several agencies requested that follow-up training be conducted for their specific agencies, with the focus on educating the provider agency staff on how AT can prevent older adults from having to transition into nursing homes.

C. Notes:

Public Awareness

Public Awareness Activities

Public Awareness Narratives

Describe in detail at least one and no more than two innovative or high-impact public awareness activities conducted during this reporting period. Highlight the content/focus of the awareness information shared, the mechanism used to disseminate or communicate the awareness information, the numbers and/or types of individuals reached, and positive outcomes resulting from the activity. If quantative numbers are available regarding the reach of the activity, please provide those: however, quantative data is not required.

1. IATP aimed at increasing the knowledge of congressional leaders and state agency heads about IATP, AT and DME by conducting targeted outreach and arranging for individualized and group tours and demonstrations at IATP. During the year IATP was able to arrange for 7 separate events to increase awareness of the impact of the AT Act and the additional programs leveraged by IATP.

2. A social media presence serves as a powerful tool for community engagement, education, and advocacy. IATP uses Facebook and Instagram platforms to amplify our programs and share impactful stories. IATP’s social media content ranges from posts celebrating National Family Caregivers Month and how AT can assist caregivers; posts showcasing IATP's 2-week exhibit of AT at the Illinois State Fair and numerous reels demonstrating assistive technology (AT) in action. IATP uses social media to connect Illinoisians with information about AT and the programs we offer that could benefit them.

Information And Assistance

Information And Assistance Activities by Recipient
Types of Recipients AT Device/
Service		 AT Funding Total
Individuals with Disabilities 842 08 850
Family Members, Guardians and Authorized Representatives 484 06 490
Representative of Education 1,733 02 1,735
Representative of Employment 28 00 28
Representative of Health, Allied Health, and Rehabilitation 75 00 75
Representative of Community Living 333 05 338
Representative of Technology 289 00 289
Unable to Categorize 00 00 00
Total 3,784 21 3,805

Referral Types:

IATP collaborates closely with all state agencies that provide grants or contracts for services to their targeted populations. To ensure that local providers and the internal staff of various state agencies are fully informed about the programs and services IATP offers, we request the opportunity to conduct Zoom presentations. During these presentations, we review the programs they fund and provide an overview of other services available through IATP. We have found that it is beneficial for their staff to be aware of these additional resources as well. IATP has also developed printed materials that are shared with state agency staff and distributed at IATP conferences and exhibits to enhance referrals. We have made improvements to the referral system used by DRS, which is leading to better quality referral and an increased number of referrals. The ICC Program's referral system is reviewed annually, and we make necessary adjustments to simplify the process while still gathering the information needed to manage referrals promptly. The ICC program now includes tablets, durable medical equipment (DME), and daily living aids to help aging adults live more safely in their homes.

Referral Sources:

IATP's main referral sources continue to be from state agencies, local CILs and other disability organizations. Once customers access the agency's many programs they quickly become a value asset for additional referrals through their friends and family connections. IATP has leveraged additional contracts which creates a natural referral source for each contract. For example, the ICC program has increased its allowed referring entities by three (3) new statewide agencies. Approximately 46% of I&A contacts to IATP are received from representatives of education, followed 22% from individuals with disabilities with 13% received from family members, guardians and authorized representatives and 9% from community living representatives.

Notes:

Coordination/Collaboration and State Improvement Outcomes

Overview of Coordination/Collaboration Activities

Yes
Yes
IATP partners with the Illinois State Bolard of Education to conduct AT/AAC Demonstrations, Evaluations, and Device Loans for special needs students ages 3 to 22 in school districts statewide on a first come first serve basis.
IATP's contract requires that 175 AT/AAC Demonstrations/Evaluations are conducted during the fiscal year. IATP again exceeded the requirement and conducted 407 demonstrations/evaluations. In addition, IATP provided 1,245 devices to local school districts through the device loan component of the contract.
https://iltech.org/services/isbe-evaluations/

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Education,

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Device Loan, Demo, Training, Information & Assistance,
Yes
Yes
IATP partnered with IDHS/DRS to education counselors and the customers they serve about the programs and services offered through IATP. IATP routinely meets with the Project Officer, DRS staff and discusses program goals and issues of the various programs implemented through 3 different contracts. DRS often disseminate reminders of the programs through their agency's OneNet system and IATP submits quarterly reports and Partnership Highlight Documents to demonstrate the Return on Inventment.
All of the programs exceed the contract requirements. It is anticipated that the contracts will be continued as the quarterly reports and Partnership Highlight Document demonstrates the reach and impact of the various programs being implemented to increase independence, self determination and training and employment opportunities for customers.
https://iltech.org/services/dhs-drs-at-services/

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Education, Employment, Housing/Home Automation, Community Participation and Integration,

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance,
Yes
Yes
IATP continued to implement through a grant with the Illinois Department on Aging the Illinois Care Connections Program. This program provides AT and DME to older adults aged 60 and above statewide on a long term basis to increase connectivity, safety and confidence with living in the community and reducing falls and the need to transition to a long term facility. The grant is funded through General Revenue Funds and was increased to 2.5 million for FY2025.
There were 2,312 referrals submitted by AAAs and CCUs/CCPs which translated into 1,769 devices; 2,030 durable medical and aids for daily living and 537 Smart Home devices distributed to older adults. If funding permitted, IATP would like to include a Fall Prevention component that focuses on installing grab bars, threshold ramps and other types of devices that will increase safety and confidence of remaining in the community.
https://iltech.org/services/icc-aging/

3. What focus areas(s) were addressed by the initiative?

Housing/Home Automation, Community Participation and Integration, Recreation/Leisure, Health, Aging, Aging and Disability Network/No Wrong Door, Information and Communication Technology/Remote Connectivity,

4. What AT Act authorized activity(s) were addressed?

Device Loan, Demo, Reuse, Training, Information & Assistance, Public Awareness,
No
IATP continues to work with the Illinois Department on Healthcare and Family Services but to date we have not been successful.
Additional Coordination/Collaboration activities 0

Overview of State Improvement Activities

State improvement outcomes are not required. You may report up to two MAJOR state improvement outcomes for this reporting period. How many will you be reporting? 01

B. State Improvements

1. In one or two sentences, describe the outcome. Be as specific as possible about exactly what changed during this reporting period as a result of the AT program's initiative.

IATP worked with other disability organizations on House Bill 3500, now Public Act 104-0314 to ensure informational materials about the Illinois ABLE Account program prepared by the State Treasurer's Office are disseminated to parents and guardians of students who have a Section 504 plans and parents and guardians of children in Early Intervention.


2. In one or two sentences, describe the written policies, practices, and procedures that have been developed and implemented as a result of the AT program's initiative. Include information about how to obtain the full documents, such as a Web site address or e-mail address of a contact person, but do not include the full documents here. (If there are no written polices, practices and procedures, explain why.)

The law increases the awareness about the ABLE Account by ensuring that families and guardians are provided information and materials about the benefits and process to establishing an ABLE Account.


3. What was the primary area of impact for this state improvement outcome?

Community Living

Additional And Leveraged Funds

Did you have Additional and Leveraged Funding to Report? Yes

A. Leveraged Funding for State Plan Activities

Fund Source Amount Use of Funds Data Reported
Public/State Agency$77,426State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$65,945DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$791,380ReuseTrue
Public/State Agency$12,319State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$42,493State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$200,000TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$1,204,471TrainingTrue
Public/State Agency$170,000Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Public/State Agency$2,000,000ReuseTrue
Public/State Agency$500,000Public Awareness, I&ATrue
Public/State Agency$2,000,000State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$375,169Device LoanTrue
Public/State Agency$100,000Technical AssistanceTrue
State Appropriations$2,069,618State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$285,972State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$2,000,000DemonstrationTrue
Public/State Agency$1,527,869State FinancingTrue
Public/State Agency$1,010,524DemonstrationTrue
Amount: $14,433,186

For any leveraged funding reported above for which data could not be reported, please describe the extenuating circumstances that precluded data from being reported and efforts to remediate the situation in future reporting periods.

C. Describe any unique issues with your data in this section (e.g., the reason why you were unable to report the number of individuals served with additional or leveraged funds).